Uncertainty in search for St Augustine candidate

THERE are questions over who political parties opposed to the ruling PNM will choose to contest the St Augustine constituency. The seat is currently represented in Parliament by COP MP Prakash Ramadhar. The PNM has chosen Reunka Sagramsingh Sooklal as its St Augustine candidate.

UNC general secretary Dave Tancoo on Tuesday said, "At this point, we have screened the constituency of St Augustine. We have not named a candidate yet."

The Opposition has 18 seats in the House of Representatives. St Augustine is one of those seats and the only one not represented by a UNC MP.

Asked whether Ramadhar was standing for re-election, Tancoo replied, "That I can't comment on. You will need to speak to MP Ramadhar."

When contacted, Ramadhar declined to comment about his political future, including contesting this year's general election.

COP political leader Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan said, "He (Ramadhar) is still a member of the COP but he has not been active in the COP."

She continued, "He does not consult the party on the positions that he takes to Parliament."

Seepersad-Bachan said Ramadhar never participated in the COP's parliamentary caucus, which was established when she became leader. She also said Ramadhar voted in a particular way on anti-gang legislation while the COP had a different position.

Seepersad-Bachan explained the caucus was formed to ensure "that no one has an excuse for not taking the party's position to Parliament."

She added it is public knowledge that "we (COP) are totally de-linked from the UNC and have been for some time."

The UNC severed ties with all former members of the PP coalition, including the COP, when the PP was dissolved in 2015.

Seepersad-Bachan also said Ramadhar has not attended the COP's national council or local government caucus either since she has been leader.

As an MP, Seepersad-Bachan said Ramadhar is automatically a member of the national council.

Reiterating the COP is a member of the Better United coalition, Seepersad-Bachan said coalition members have been discussing seat allocation and some people have been screened. She identified St Augustine as one of the seats which the coalition will contest in the election. But she said it was still to be determined which party will do so.

Other parties in the coalition are the Port of Spain People’s Movement, TT Democratic Front and the Democratic Party of TT. Seepersad-Bachan said discussions are taking place with other parties for them to join the coalition.